"Whoosh!"
With Xiao Shaojun's helpless surrender, the crowd of the Xiao Clan members watching erupted in uproar. Although they had witnessed Xiao Yan's formidable strength before, they had never imagined that even Xiao Shaojun, the strongest among the younger generation of the Xiao Clan, would be defeated by him. Just look at the exchange between the two sides; it was only a short while. In such a short time, even a Peak Yuan Zong had to admit defeat. Xiao Yan's strength was self-evident.
"Hehe, you flatter me."
The two then descended, and Xiao Yan dispelled the flames on his body, smiling politely at Xiao Shaojun.
Upon hearing this, even with Xiao Shaojun's temperament, he couldn't help but curl his lips. He had personally experienced the terrifying power of that Heavenly Flames, so this battle was not a foolish thing to do, otherwise he didn't think his fate would be any better than Bai Zijing's.
"You're terrifying! Your strength only increased by two stars, yet your combat power has increased so dramatically."
Xiao Shaojun looked at his bare arm, still feeling lingering fear. Then, with a thought, his tattered robe materialized. With his combat strength, he could be considered at the peak among the younger generation of the three major clans. However, he never expected that there would be a guy who was even more monstrous than him. This inevitably made him feel a little disheartened.
"Heh, I'm only benefiting from the Power of the Great Dao and the Heavenly Flames. If it really came down to a head-on confrontation, I know I wouldn't be your match."
Xiao Yan smiled and patted Xiao Shaojun on the shoulder. His words were not flattery. Xiao Shaojun's domineering metal-type Origin Qi was not only terrifying in combat, but his Gilded Gold Armor was also the most powerful defensive Dou Technique he had ever seen. If it weren't for the help of the Heavenly Flames, Xiao Yan didn't think he would be able to break through it.
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Yan turned his gaze back to the crowd not far away, where several familiar figures were already waiting.
"Heh, so you guys are here too."
Xiao Yan walked forward on his own, his gaze sweeping over Bai Hua and the other three. Then, his expression faltered slightly, and he asked in confusion:
"How is our ancestor Xiao Xuan doing lately?"
He probably won't be back anytime soon.
Just then, the Grand Elder and the Clan Chief walked out from the crowd on one side, and their aged voices reached Xiao Yan's ears.
Upon hearing the Grand Elder's words, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow slightly. The elder then explained the reason for Xiao Xuan's departure, which made Xiao Yan understand. Gradually, he relaxed and nodded in thought. As the Grand Elder continued, he said:
"By the way, now that you've emerged from seclusion, there's something I think you'll find quite interesting."
"Oh?"
His expression faltered slightly, and Xiao Yan immediately looked at the Grand Elder with a hint of surprise.
"News came from the Central Region some time ago that the Pill Tower is about to hold Pill Refining Grand Meeting. As an alchemist, you'll probably find this kind of exchange of experiences among peers quite interesting."
" Pill Refining Grand Meeting?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression immediately changed, and his gaze instantly turned to Bai Hua beside him, his emotions instantly stirred.
Currently, regarding the matter of Bai Hua, Xiao Xuan has even used the Xiao Clan's external forces to inquire about the Heaven Inquiry Pill. However, even so, there are still no results. This has made Xiao Yan anxious and disappointed. But the words of the Grand Elder instantly rekindled hope in Xiao Yan's heart.
The Pill Gathering is an unparalleled grand event in the Medicine Realm. Every alchemist longs to make a name for themselves and become famous throughout the continent at the Pill Gathering. However, for Xiao Yan, what is even more important is that only through the Pill Gathering can he have a chance to meet the Pill Tower Ancestor. Once he obtains the Heaven Inquiry Pill, the trouble in Bai Hua's body will be resolved!
When Pill Gathering begin?
After a moment, Xiao Yan withdrew his thoughts, turned his gaze back to the Grand Elder, and asked earnestly.
"This is still early for us, but for you, perhaps there's not much time left."
On one side, Xiao Shaojun stepped forward with a smile, and when Xiao Yan turned his gaze, he continued:
"Roughly speaking, there's less than a year left. Xiao Siyu went into seclusion to refine medicine several months ago."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan frowned slightly, thinking to himself that half a year was indeed not a full time for him. Not to mention that refining high-grade pills was time-consuming and laborious, the journey from the Xiao Clan to the Pill Tower would also take a considerable amount of time. In fact, Xiao Yan probably didn't have more than half a year left.
"Very well, I will do my best to improve my alchemy skills during this time."
After a moment's hesitation, Xiao Yan looked up and met Bai Hua's gaze. He then nodded emphatically, bid farewell to the Grand Elder and the others, and rushed off to the cultivation room in the villa.
As for medicinal herbs, not to mention Xiao Yan's own vast collection, given his current prestige and status within the Xiao Yan Xiao Clan, the supply of medicinal herbs is naturally not a concern. Right now, his only concern is improving his own alchemy skills.
Sitting in the cultivation room, Xiao Yan had a huge cyan-gold medicine cauldron standing in front of him. His eyes were closed, and his mind was constantly recalling his past experiences of refining medicine.
To date, Xiao Yan has successfully refined only a handful of seventh-grade pills, and has only ever refined one truly high-grade seventh-grade pill. Even so, there is still a considerable element of luck involved. Therefore, if he wants to truly take the step of becoming Tier Seven High-Level Alchemist, there is still a long way to go.
"Call..."
After pondering for a long time, Xiao Yan finally gritted his teeth, flipped his hand, and took out a scroll of seventh-grade intermediate pill formulas from his Storage Ring.
The Seven Lives Suspended Bone Pill is considered a top-grade mid-level seventh-tier pill. After taking it, one can forcibly unleash their potential and gain immense combat power in a short period of time, regardless of their state. However, once the effects wear off, it will cause severe damage to the individual. Moreover, a person can only take it seven times in their lifetime; after seven times, death is inevitable.
The difficulty of refining this pill is almost comparable to some ordinary high-grade seventh-rank pills. Many alchemists also use it as a transitional item for advancing to the Tier Seven High-Level Alchemist. For Xiao Yan now, this can also be called an excellent practice pill.
After a thorough inspection, Xiao Yan calmed his mind and slowly reviewed the various medicinal herbs needed for refining the medicine. Then, he flicked his finger, and streams of light flew out from his Storage Ring. With a light tap on the cauldron, the lid opened as the Heavenly Flames rose.
With a thought, various medicinal herbs floating in the void around him were thrown into the medicine cauldron one by one. What followed was a complicated and slow process of refining and improving the medicine.